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Michigan players excited for opportunity to play Alabama in Citrus Bowl
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Michigan has an opportunity in the Citrus Bowl on January 1. Playing a team like Alabama on a New Year’s Day bowl game allows the program and head coach Jim Harbaugh the chance to prove it belongs on the national stage.
In a few days, Michigan will be headed to Orlando for the Citrus Bowl matchup against Alabama. It will be the first time the two teams have played since 2012, a game the Crimson Tide won easily 41-14.
All-time, the series is knotted at 2-2.
Before the Wolverines take flight down to Orlando, a few players talked about the upcoming matchup with Alabama. They were all excited for the opportunity to take on a national power.
“I was excited when I found out we were playing Alabama,” said offensive lineman Jon Runyan. “They’ve been a great program this past decade. …We’re all just really excited.”
Tight end Nick Eubanks said that a win over the Crimson Tide would not only be a successful way to end the 2019 season, but would create some momentum for next fall.
“Beating these guys would definitely put a stamp on this year and next year, too,” Eubanks said. “We can’t wait to see what’s in store for them when we play them.”
Linebacker Khaleke Hudson echoed a similar sentiment.
“Getting a chance to actually play a team like this, it’s gonna be a huge opportunity for our team, our coaches, myself and just for us to be able to blast off into next season,” Hudson said.
Michigan enters the Citrus Bowl with a 9-3 record, trying to get to 10 wins for the fourth time in five years under Jim Harbaugh. Alabama, on the other hand, is 10-2 and missed the College Football Playoff for the first time in six seasons.
It should be an intriguing matchup down in Orlando.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB